"A woman told me (that) messages to the villages to wash their hands before breast-feeding and before handling food worked to save lives." — The Rev. Betty Musau said of text-messaging during a cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mobile tech monitors health in Congo
KAMINA, Congo (UMNS) — In remote villages in Africa, it’s common for the nearest health clinic to be a day’s travel away. It’s also common for villagers to make the long journey only to find out that a doctor isn’t there that day or that needed medication isn’t in stock. Joey Butler reports on a project funded by United Methodist Communications to improve communications between clinics and villagers through mobile phone and texting technology.
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Learn more about technology for social good
New York prison escape
overshadows Sunday worship
DANNEMORA, N.Y. — Worship was the same, but Sunday at Dannemora United Methodist Church — just up the street from the maximum security prison where two inmates escaped a week and a half ago — was far from ordinary, reports Time Warner Cable News. "Folks are being as normal as possible," said the Rev.Wendy Rhodehamel.
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Methodist History: First Father’s Day
at church
FAIRMONT, W. Va. (UMNS) — The congregation at Central United Methodist Church celebrates Father’s Day in a special way each year. They hear the story of the first Father’s Day church service in the United States, which was held in their town on July 5, 1908, after a Methodist church member suggested the idea.
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Read about the United Methodist woman who helped start Father’s Day
‘Called' helps those considering ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Congregation leaders can draw on "Called: One Word, Many Ways," in helping individuals of various ages discern a call to ministry, be it ordained or not. United Methodist Communications worked with the denomination's Discipleship Ministries and Board of Higher Education and Ministry to produce the resource. It includes downloadable sermon starters, reflection questions, video stories and commitment cards.
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Church approves seminary to train clergy candidates
LOUISVILLE (UMNS) — The University Senate has approved Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary for preparing candidates for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church. “Louisville Seminary has for many years been deeply committed to the formation and theological education of men and women entering a variety of forms of ministry in The United Methodist Church,” said Michael Jinkins, the seminary’s president.
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A prayer for pastors and churches in transition
SAVANNAH, Ga. (UMNS) — For many churches and pastors, this is a time to say goodbye and say hello. The Rev. Ben Gosden, pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, shares a prayer for United Methodists experiencing transition in their congregations.
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History of Hymns: ‘O Come and Dwell in Me’
DALLAS (UMNS) — Charles Wesley’s hymn “O Come and Dwell in Me” revolves around the importance of the Holy Spirit. Wesley takes much of the text from 2 Corinthians. Corrie Hermans of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology tells how Wesley developed this tribute to the Spirit’s power over sin.
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History quiz: Wesley’s way to fitness
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Faith and fitness went together for John Wesley. Do you know his tips about good health? Do a mental workout with today’s quiz question.
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Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Sunday, June 21
Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Men honor 'Man of the Year' — 4 p.m. PDT at Hollypark United Methodist Church, 13000 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena, California. United Methodist Men will hold a Father's Day dinner and concert to honor the Rev. Osmond A. Lindo Sr., United Methodist theologian and author of "Real Men Read Jesus’ Parables." The Dozier Singers and Friends, including the local gospel group, Godspeed, will perform. $40 for adults, $75 for two tickets, $12 for children 12 and under. Proceeds benefit United Methodist Men. Reserve a seat by emailing Larry Dozier at [email protected].
You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.
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